Ministry of Economic Development (MED) has said that there was no special permission for any foreign photographer to operate in Maldives, warning that it will be put a stop to.

Speaking to “Sun” on Wednesday, Registrar of Companies, Mariyam Wisam said that the photography industry was specialized only for locals, but that some foreign photographers were still working in the country.

“Some big resorts are speaking in a way which is creating misunderstandings. They insist they have special permission. There is no special permission. We want to say clearly that no special permission has been given to any business or any party involved in tourism for any foreign photographer to make any agreement with a photography agency,” said Wisam.

Wisam said that complaints regarding foreign photographers sent to Ministry of Economic Affairs were being looked into in association with Ministry of Tourism and Immigration.

She noted that banning foreign photographers from working in Maldives was directly beneficial to the Maldivian youth.

Foreign photographers have earned MVR 11 million within the first six months of this year alone, despite the ban.

Over the next five years, as Earth Day moves closer to its 50th anniversary, we’re calling on you to help us achieve one of our most ambitious goals yet —we’re planting 7.8 billion trees and we’re starting now.

Trees will be the first of five major goals we are undertaking in honor of the five-year countdown to our 50th anniversary. On their own and together, these initiatives will make a significant and measurable impact on the Earth and will serve as the foundation of a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet for all.

Why Trees?

Trees help combat climate change.
They absorb excess and harmful CO2 from our atmosphere. In fact, in a single year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the same amount of CO2 produced by driving the average car 26,000 miles.

Trees help us breathe clean air.
Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.

Posted in Uncategorized by Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeg on February 1, 2016

Life is a journey filled with lessons, hardships, heartaches, joys, celebrations and special moments that will ultimately lead us to our destination, our purpose in life. The road will not always be smooth; in fact, throughout our travels, we will encounter many challenges.

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has officially launched the marketing campaign for ‘Visit Maldives Year 2016′.

The main objective of this campaign is to reach the goal of increasing tourist arrivals to 1.5 million with a significant increase in tourism receipts. To reach the aim of this campaign, various national and international activities are being planned for this year and next year, much to the delight of those who are fortunate enough to travel to the Maldives.

Maldives Immigration Department has asked the resident employers to the foreign photographers to terminate their contracts by the 7th of next month (June 2015).
A statement from the department claims that it has asked the employers to terminate these contracts and request to have their Employment Approval cancelled.

When happiness comes and kisses your feet…
Everything around you becomes so colorful and beautiful.
You just forget the reasons of life and fly high above with your happiness.
You are unaware that it’s just a moment of life that you are counting!
So sadness comes and makes your soul cry your eyes out…
Everything around you seems a blur and you are lonely by yourself.
Then you say, why me? Why me?
And here goes… no answer!
Of cores life holds no answer for all the questions you ask…
Cause life is full of questions!

Posted in News, tourism by Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeg on January 27, 2015

The government has on Monday shut the Maldivian market off to foreign photographers.
Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed told Haveeru that foreign photographers had previously been given permits to work in the Maldives. Saeed, however, added that the Ministry has decided to stop issuing such permits.

“What we want is to empower the Maldivian youth and to make establish photography as an industry in the country” the Minister said “Resorts operating in the Maldives will have to hire local photographers”.

A local photographer’s association had recently voiced their concern over foreign photographers working for local businesses and effectively ‘monopolizing’ the industry.

About Me

After ten years of experience in journalism, writing, layout making, graphic design; photography has become a part of my profession... Photography is an interesting field in which I look forward for more experience and true development... Now in my spare time I like capturing the moments of life, nature and the changing political situation of the Maldives... “Maldives in still mode” is the Maldives in images. It contains Maldivian nature, current affairs and of its people.

Testimonial

"As interesting and as unique as his name, Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeg is the perfect ambassador of where he resides in the beautiful tropical Maldives. His keen eye for beauty and passion for what he has and sees is a gift to us all when he shares through his remarkable photographs. With great appreciation, I am certain most anyone with a heartbeat will see in an instance...they have found paradise while looking at the incredibly beautiful compositions Mohamed brings to share with us .It is like going on a virtual tropical cruise....just sit back, put yourself at ease as you let flickr settle into this beautiful tropical MODE of Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeg... the one we all like calling our friend. Cheers my friend...keep doing what you are doing. You are such a fortunate man!'' - Duane Langshaw, America

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"If one is unfamiliar with Maldives they need look no further than the beautiful artwork of Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeg. Mode's images tell a warm and compelling story of the Maldives Islands and the Maldivian people, both of which he knows very well and clearly loves. His sense of artistry means strong compositions, rich warm colors, compelling textures, and inviting images that are likely to inspire viewers to practice their Dhivehi, visit their travel agent, and pack their bags!" - Rob

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"mode shares beautifully dramatic coastal photographs, amplifying his images with local history, folklore and information. Visiting his flickr site is always delightful and informative, a treat for the eyes and the mind. He's an excellent flickr contact, acknowledging comments and reciprocating in kind." - Peaches aka ScarletHeather